A new library in my area...love it!

I mentioned in a post the other day that one of our local libraries had completed a new building and that I had visited and taken a few pictures.  I used to volunteer at this library a few years back and helped out with processing new materials.  I did enjoy that work.  Anyway, this library had outgrown their facility and struggled to have enough room for not only materials, but also for study areas, meeting spaces, and new programs they wanted to implement.  On November 1st, they opened their new space.  Here is the new Cedar Park Public Library.  I loved it!

This sign lights up at night.

The front entrance.  They now have two stories, two screened porches, and a bunch of other fun spaces.  Just a lot more room for everything.

 This 'wall of wood' adjoins the staircase to the second floor.  It was created with wood from trees that were cut down as construction of the new facility progressed.  I think it's composed of oak, pecan, and other types of trees.  There is a plaque by it explaining how the wood was 'harvested' and the wall designed.  

I said above that there were a bunch of special spaces.  One of these is an adult 'reading room' where patrons can sit in comfort and quiet and read.  I couldn't take a shot of the whole room because someone was using the room just as it was meant.  

This sculpture was near the front entrance at the previous library and had been there for 20 years or so.  I had shown a picture of it before here on the blog and mentioned how kids really enjoyed playing around it and climbing over it.  I was so happy to see it had been moved to the new library and it now resides in the outside children's area that is located behind the kids area of the library.  Again, I had to wait until one little boy was through climbing in order to take the picture.  He was having a fun, fun time!

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Libraries have changed a lot over the years.  Remember when one was 'shushed' and had to be very, very quiet?  These days, libraries not only have computers that can be used by patrons, there are what's called 'makerspace' rooms where craft events are held and people are invited to come and 'create'.  Book discussions still occur, though I have noticed that more libraries are having sort of 'generic' book groups.  Some libraries even just invite people to come read together - silently.  Interesting.  There are knitting groups and crochet groups, movies to be watched, special speakers and, yes, storytimes.  Library staff helps patrons a lot with all kinds of information.  

I don't think the time of 'Public Libraries' is even close to coming to an end.  I certainly hope not.  Hope you enjoyed this little tour.  Do you visit your area libraries still?  Do you love them?